Winter Blah Skin? Tips for Caring for Dry Skin

Are you like me and your skin is drying out? The winter is always terrible on my skin. Check out our nifty tips to help!

Warm Yes, Hot No: A steamy shower feels good, but that hot water is not a good idea for your dry skin. The reason you want to avoid hot showers is that the hot water strips your skin of the oil barrier that it produces naturally. That oil barrier is essential to hold moisture in your skin so it stays smooth and silky. So dial down the temperature and don’t linger too long; 5 to 10 minutes at the most, then gently pat dry and moisturize your body. After your shower remember to pat yourself dry, don’t rub.

Cleanse Gently: Wash with a soap-less cleanser when you shower. Products with deodorant or antibacterial additives can be harsh on skin. You might also consider a cleanser that contains ceramides, Ceramides are fatty molecules that make up the outer barrier of your skin. They help skin hold in moisture.

Shave Smartly: Shaving can irritate dry skin. As you shave unwanted hair, you’re also scraping off natural oils. In the hot summer months, you want to dress in clothing that is light and loose, especially when out in the sun. Also, in order to protect your eyes, ears and neck, wear a brimmed hat. It is important that you always moisturize your skin after you shave.

Cover Up: Sun damage is one of the main causes behind dry skin, wrinkles, and roughness. You can help prevent that damage by wearing a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen year-round and dressing right. In cool weather, dress in layers to prevent overheating and perspiring excessively; both can irritate the skin. In summer, wear light, loose, long-sleeved shirts when out in the sun, and wear a 2-inch wide-brimmed hat to shade your neck, ears, and eyes.

Humidify: Cold, dry air is a common cause of dry, irritated skin. Heating your house keeps you warm, but it also removes moisture from the air, which can make dry skin even more parched. To replenish that missing moisture quickly and easily, use a humidifier in your bedroom. You can track humidity easily with an inexpensive humidity meter, called a hygrometer. Aim for indoor humidity of about 50%.

About Annemarie LeBlanc

Annemarie is a Mom whose daughter (Robyn) has left the nest and now she is traveling the world experiencing everything the world has to offer. You can find her sipping martinis in some of the most exotics locations in the world, having a beer at her local pub or canoeing on a beautiful lake in the Adirondacks.